The Olympics opening ceremony gets underway along the Seine River in Paris. Experience the grandeur of this iconic event.
In the French capital, Paris, on Friday evening amidst rainfall, the 2024 Summer Olympics commenced with legendary soccer player Zinedine Zidane inaugurating it by holding onto the Olympic flame in his hands.
He was captured in a pre-recorded video sprinting and zigzagging through the congested streets of Paris, ultimately presenting the flame to an assembly of children aboard public transport.
After traversing the Catacombs, they arrived at a boat and subsequently, the live feed switched to a present-time perspective of River Seine.
Over 10,500 athletes from 206 nations and territories sailed down a six-kilometer stretch of the river on a fleet of barges. This breathtaking parade offered stunning views of some renowned landmarks in the French capital city.
The initial boat, representing Greece as the originator of the ancient games per Olympic tradition, received a thunderous round of applause. However, an even greater outburst erupted for the following vessel transporting the Refugee Team.
Jets of water shot up from the fountains situated in the river’s center as boats passed by. Athletes could be seen waving at onlookers amidst a significant police presence.
Performing on the steps along the Seine near Notre Dame cathedral, Lady Gaga, a renowned American singer and actor, became the first musical act to sing a famous French cabaret song.
Although speculation had circulated about her participation in the ceremony upon being seen in the city, it was unexpected for her to appear given that she wasn’t included on a programme shared with media beforehand.
With the ceremony in full swing showcasing the finest elements of French culture, including music, fashion and art, more than 300,000 people congregated on the banks of Seine. Among them were several attendees sheltered under umbrellas.
The commencement of the ceremony occurred only a few hours following an act of sabotage on France’s high-speed TGV rail network. This occurrence caused widespread disruption to travel throughout the country, resulting in increased attention towards security risks – particularly when considering that international eyes are currently observing developments within France.
The particulars of the intricate occasion, which will be unique in history as it won’t occur within a stadium, have been shrouded in mystery. This includes information on who will bear the torch last and ignite the Olympic cauldron to signal commencement of the Games.
The anonymous torchbearer, whose face was concealed and identity unknown to the viewers, was observed traversing through the city by running on rooftops and ziplining across the Seine River.
Even though the rain was getting stronger, athletes on approximately 90 boats still managed to create a celebratory vibe as they cruised down the river during a four-hour-long ceremony.
As the rain intensified, a few onlookers departed from the river banks; nevertheless, an overwhelming majority persisted in defying inclement conditions by swaying to citywide reverberations of music.
Approximately 45,000 law enforcement personnel along with numerous soldiers were mobilized to oversee the commencement festivities. Meanwhile, armed police officers undertook patrols of the river during the procession of ships traveling down Seine River.
The ceremony was anticipated to garner the attention of approximately 1.5 billion individuals worldwide, and in Paris, a total of 326,000 tickets were obtainable with 222,000 being offered at no cost.
For individuals who were unable to secure a prime position along the Seine River, eighty massive screens were erected throughout Paris.
At least 400 dancers were among the approximately 3,000 artists who participated in the show.
The opening ceremony is thought to have been attended by approximately 100 global leaders, government officials and heads of international organizations.
As the evening descended upon Paris, in a stirring tribute to global harmony, Juliette Armanet – a French vocalist – delivered an emotional rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine” while sitting beside ablaze piano on the identical ship.
At the Iena Bridge, where the left bank of Seine meets Trocadéro district on its right side, is where the parade came to a close. This bridge also connects Eiffel Tower with these areas.
French President Emmanuel Macron gave the opening remarks at Trocadéro, which marked the end of the ceremony.
